Leafs' Smithson Recalled From AHL

News:Jerred Smithson was recalled from AHL Toronto on Wednesday, David Alter of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

Analysis: Following Trevor Smith's hand injury Tuesday, the Leafs are now without three of their top centers, so they brought Jerred Smithson back up for some depth. Smithson is yet to record a point in 13 games with the NHL club this season.

Leafs Sign Smithson

News:Jerred Smithson signed with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail reports.

Analysis: The team's decision to demote Trevor Smith earlier Wednesday makes a whole lot more sense in light of this development. Jerred Smithson, who put up six points (3G, 3A) in 45 games between Edmonton and Florida last season, will likely step in immediately along the fourth line.

Oilers' Smithson Playing Sunday

Analysis:Jerred Smithson, who only had five points in 35 games with the Panthers before being traded, will likely slot in on the fourth line. He is off the radar in most fantasy leagues and the recent trade is unlikely to provide any more than a tiny bump in fantasy value for Smithson.

Oilers' Smithson Uncertain For Saturday

Analysis:Jerred Smithson was traded from the Panthers to the Oilers on Wednesday and will likely debut Monday if he does not play Saturday. He only tallied two goals and five points in 35 games with the Panthers this season.

Panthers' Smithson Will Sit Out Game 1

News:Jerred Smithson will be inactive for Game 1 against the Devils, the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Buried deep on Florida's depth chart, Jerred Smithson wasn't much of a factor in fantasy leagues during the regular season. Smithson recorded only six points on limited ice time during the season, indicating the Panthers shouldn't be handicapped by his absence.

Preds' Smithson (Upper Body) To Return Tuesday

News:Jerred Smithson (upper body) is expected to return to the lineup for Tuesday's game at Minnesota, The Tennessean reports.

Analysis: "I needed to take some time and it feels night-and-day," Jerred Smithson said. "It feels so much better. I'm really looking forward to getting back and making a big impact this last part of the season." At this point, it appears safe to get Smithson back into your lineups.

Preds' Smithson Out With Upper Body Injury

Analysis: No word on whether this is the same injury that caused him to miss five games earlier this month, but we're betting it is. With just five points in 44 games this season, Jerred Smithson should only be found on fantasy rosters in ultra-deep leagues. Reserve him immediately.

Preds' Smithson Returns Following Upper Body Injury

News: After missing the previous five game, Jerred Smithson (upper-body) returned to the lineup for Thursday's 3-0 win against Columbus. He saw 12:02 worth of ice time and assisted on Shea Weber's empty-net goal to help ice the game for the Preds.

Analysis: It looks safe to get Jerred Smithson back into your fantasy lineups at this point. Smithson has just five points (1G, 4A) in 42 games this season, but he currently sits second on the team in hits (85) and third in PIM (28).

Preds Activate Smithson From IR

News:Jerred Smithson, who has missed the last five games with a lower body injury, has been activated from injured reserve, according to The Tennessean.

Analysis: Coach Barry Trotz has listed Jerred Smithson, second on the Preds in hits with 83, as a game-time decision for Thursday's game at Columbus, but the paper seems to be leaning toward Smithson playing. "I feel good. Took a few days to let it heal. I'm ready to play, whenever they want me," Smithson said.

Preds' Smithson (Lower Body) Placed On IR

News:Jerred Smithson (lower body) was placed on IR after missing his third consecutive game Saturday against Philadelphia, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis: The Preds travel to New York this week for back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday against the Islanders and Rangers, respectively. Coach Barry Trotz said he expects Jerred Smithson will travel with the team but is not likely to play. Keep him reserved for the time being.

Preds' Smithson Still Out With Lower Body Injury

News:Jerred Smithson (lower body) will miss his second consecutive game Saturday against the Flyers, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis: "It's nothing serious," coach Barry Trotz said. "It's just got to settle down for him. He's just day-to-day. Once it settles down he'll be fine." Consider Jerred Smithson day-to-day for the time being.

Preds' Smithson Doing Little Things Right

News:Jerred Smithson has just four points (1G, 3A) in 40 games this season, but leads the Preds in hits with 82.

Analysis:Jerred Smithson, who typically plays on Nashville's fourth line with Matt Halischuk and Brian McGrattan, is also second on the team in faceoff winning percentage (55.4%) and third in PIM (28). He's really only a valuable fantasy commodity if your league counts obscure stat categories such as these.

Smithson Enjoying Leadership Role With Preds This Season

News:Jerred Smithson has established himself as a veteran leader on the Preds this season, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis: "He gives you everything he has every day in practice and in games," coach Barry Trotz said of Jerred Smithson. "You want to surround your top players and young players with guys like that." In a defining "leadership moment", Smithson recently called out his teammates following a 3-1 loss to Edmonton on Oct. 17. The team has since gone on to win five of eight games. "We started playing better hockey from that point on," said Smithson. "It was the heat of the moment and you're fired up and it needed to be said." Unfortunately for Smithson, locker-room leadership does not translate into fantasy value. His appeal will be limited to ultra-deep leagues, having recorded just 13 points in each of the past three seasons. However, he is a clearly a very highly-regarded asset by the Preds and he will continue to see 14-15 minutes per night as part of the team's third line.

Preds Get Smithson Back Monday

News: Smithson, who missed Game 5 against the Canucks with an upper body injury, says he's ready to play in Game 6 on Monday, The Vancouver Province reports. Coach Barry Trotz confirmed Smithson is in.

Analysis: The Preds will get a boost in their attempt to come all the way back from a 3-1 series deficit, as Smithson is a good role guy on face-offs and the penalty kill, certainly a good thing when facing the potent Canucks.

Predators' Smithson Out For Game 5

News: Smithson (upper body) did not travel with the team for Saturday's Game 5 against the Canucks, The Tennessean reports.

Analysis: Smith was elbowed in the face at the end the first period in Game 4 and was unable to return. J.P. Dumont will suit up in place of Smithson, who should be considered questionable for a potential Game 6.

Preds' Smithson Signs New Contract

News: The Preds have signed Smithson to a two-year, $1.6 million contract, reports the Tennessean.

Analysis: Smithson will make $800,000 during both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. "He's played extremely well and he's played multiple positions," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "Left wing, center, right wing. He's been a Predator. He's got a lot of drive in his game." Unfortunately, he's not particularly fantasy-worthy, with just eight points (4G, 4A) in 42 games this season, but scoring is not what the Preds expect of him. He's a grinder who is expected to shut down the other team's offense, kill penalties and block shots, categories that are not rewarded in many fantasy leagues.

Predators Smithson Scores Only Goal in Home Loss

News: Smithson scored early in the second frame to tie the game, but there was no more offense from his team as the visiting Blues took a 2-1 shootout win Wednesday.

Analysis: Smithson notched his second goal of the year, but there wasn't any other Predator able to beat St. Louis goalie Jaroslav Halak. Smithson is light scoring and likely not to warrant much fantasy attention, but good on those owners that started him Wednesday.

Smithson back for the Predators

News: Nashville C Jerred Smithson returned to action on Tuesday night against the Oilers. In the first game since the Olympic break, Smithson used the break to get healthy from a lower-body injury. He had been out since Feb. 10.

Analysis: Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence for Nashville. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Smithson misses last game before break

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson missed a second straight game on Sunday against the Penguins with a lower-body injury. The Predators don't play again until March 2 because of the Olympic break.

Analysis: It is believe Smithson is battling a foot injury after blocking a shot on Wednesday against the Rangers. If it is a bruise, then Smithson should have plenty of time to heal during the break. Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence for Nashville. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy.

Smithson not active Friday

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson, who suffered a lower-body injury against the Rangers on Wednesday, was not in the lineup on Friday against the Devils.

Analysis: This injury comes at a bad time since Smithson, who has been playing some of his best hockey. He has one goal and four points in his last seven games. Unfortunately, they have all come at even strength. Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence for Nashville. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy.

Smithson blocks shot, injures foot

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson didn't play after blocking a shot with his foot in the second period on Wednesday against the Rangers. He had no points in 6:32 of ice time and finished at even.

Analysis: This injury comes at a bad time since Smithson, who has been playing some of his best hockey. He has one goal and four points in his last seven games. Unfortunately, they have all come at even strength. Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence for Nashville. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy.

Smithson scores first 2010 goal

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson scored his first goal of 2010 in Saturday's win over the Thrashers.

Analysis: Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence for Nashville. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Smithson recovers from broken hand

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson returned to the lineup on Monday against the Maple Leafs after missing 11 games with a broken hand. He had no points in 14:20 of ice time and finished at minus-1.

Analysis: Smithson had two goals and three points in his previous four games before hurting his hand. But his recent hot streak was just an aberration. Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Smithson might return on Monday

News:The Tennessean reports that Predators C Jarred Smithson (hand) has a good chance to return to action on Monday vs. Toronto. He has been out since late December.

Analysis: Smithson had four points in four games before getting hurt, but has just seven on the season and has never produced more than 16 points in a single campaign. Continue to ignore him in all but the deepest of Fantasy leagues.

Smithson out at least a month

News:The Tennessean reports that Predators C Jerred Smithson will miss at least a month with a broken hand.

Analysis: Smithson was having a pretty productive season before this injury, with six goals so far. His career high is seven. However, Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Smithson has rare goal on Tuesday

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Tuesday's game against the Lightning. Smithson gave Nashville a 1-0 lead 6:53 into the first period. Legwand's wraparound shot was blocked, and Smithson gained control of the puck in traffic in the crease. He put a rebound past goalie Antero Niittymaki. Smith also spent nine minutes in the penalty box on three separate infractions.

Analysis: Smithson has scored five times in 34 games this season, but he is not on the ice for his offense. Smithson is pretty much a checking-line presence. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer, and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Smithson scores in back-to-back games

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson made it back-to-back games with a goal when he lit the lamp in Thursday's 2-0 win over the Blackhawks.

Analysis: Smithson's career high for a season is seven goals, so for him to score in back-to-back outings has to be a rarity. Smithson's greatest asset is as a penalty killer and he should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Smithson wrists in fourth goal

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson scored a goal during Sunday's 4-3 win against the Red Wings. Goals by Joel Ward and Smithson 20 seconds apart gave Nashville a 3-2 lead. Ward tied it at 2, putting in a rebound for his 17th goal with 8:25 left in the third period. Smithson took a pass from Cal O'Reilly and beat Chris Osgood from the bottom of the left circle. It was Smithson's fourth goal.

Analysis: Smithson has totaled 10 or more points in four straight seasons, but has never hit 20 points in his career. His greatest asset is as a penalty killer and Smithson should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Smithson hobbles off ice Monday

News: Nashville's Jerred Smithson left with an ankle injury in the second period Monday against the Devils and did not return. He didn't have a point in 4:59 of ice time and finished at even.

Analysis: Luckily for Smithson the Predators don't play again until after the All-Star break, so he will get plenty of time to rest up. Smithson is primarily on the ice as a penalty killer and should only be owned in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy.

Smithson contributes goal in win

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson tallied a goal during Saturday's 5-4 win against the Kings. In the third period, Smithson gave the Predators a 4-2 lead. Smithson beat Erik Ersberg high to the right corner of the goal at 10:54. "It's always nice to contribute offensively," Smithson said. "I don't do it too often, so it feels pretty good. We still have a lot of things to improve on. Our play in the second period was bad."

Analysis: Smithson now has three points (two assists) in his last four games. He also has 13 penalty minutes this season. Smithson is primarily on the ice as a penalty killer and should only be owned in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Predators re-sign Smithson

News: The Nashville Predators have signed C Jerred Smithson to a two-year, $1.4 million contract extension through 2011. The deal announced Thursday will pay the 29-year-old forward $725,000 in 2009-10 and $750,000 in 2010-11.

Analysis: Smithson, a free agent signed by Nashville in 2004, has 45 points in 241 games since making his NHL debut with Los Angeles in 2002. He has zero Fantasy value.

Smithson nets first February point

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's game against the Wild. Smithson opened the scoring on a snap shot at 3:19 of the first period. It was his first goal since Jan. 3 and first point in nine February games.

Analysis: Smithson played a whopping 7:34 Sunday and still averages less than 13 minutes per game. He continues to play on the lower lines for the Predators. Despite the goal, he is not much of a Fantasy option at this time.

Smithson has point in B2B games

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 Saturday against the Wild. He scored a goal Thursday against the Oilers and now has a point in two straight games after being shutout for 10 straight from Dec. 10-31.

Analysis: Smithson has dressed for 39 games this season, but continues to play on the lower lines for the Predators. Despite the assist, he is not much of a Fantasy option at this time.

Smithson ends long goal drought

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson's short-handed goal at 9:21 of the third period sealed the 4-2 win Saturday against the Ducks. It was his third goal this season and first since scoring in consecutive games on Oct. 25 and Oct. 27.

Analysis: Smithson has dressed for 27 games this season, but continues to play on the lower lines for the Predators. Despite the goal, he is not much of a Fantasy option at this time.

Smithson bangs in rebound

News: Predators C Jerred Smithson scored one goal and finished with a plus-1 rating during Thursday's game against the Thrashers. David Legwand fired a slap shot from above the left circle that slipped through the legs of Atlanta goaltender Johan Hedberg. The puck was still in the crease as Smithson skated in and shot it into the net before Hedberg could turn around at 12:51 of the first period.

Analysis: Smithson has just 11 career goals in 169 games and 31 points in that same span. Despite the goal, he is not much of a Fantasy option at this time.